We have a WINNER!!!!

[CaraBou]

The waste issue is why I started using 1 pound batches for the contest.

I wish I had a small mold like that, even just a silicone liner that I could build support around. I ended up plugging my regular mold with a wood block to create 400 g batches. But that's still a PITA as some batter inevitably seeps under or around the block. Plus I'd kind of like a skinnier mold for small batches so I can slice more bars and still be able to use them.

Where did you get your one pounder, newbie? And does anyone know where to find just a 1 lb fexible silicone liner? I need to explore several options since not everyone has reasonable shipping to AK.

Here's my makeshift small mold. It works but I'd rather have something specific. After all, who doesn't need another mold??

 

[jules92207]

^^That one is better than mine, for sure! I tried a silicone place mat (it was a cover for the microwave or something) I cut down from the dollar store then stuffed a quart milk carton behind it... It was a disaster. That was failed batch #2 with the Tuberose Moss.

 

[CaraBou]

At least yours looks like a spoon swirl! Mine looks stupid sitting there- it doesn't look anything like a spoon swirl and looks totally out of place. Yikes.

Oh, just stop it. I love it. One of the thinks I like best is that it doesn't look like a traditional spoon swirl. It reminds me of a Celtic knot.

Daryl is right. It also proves you don't need a lot of color to demonstrate the technique and produce something so elegant. While it may be understated next to some of the other soaps, anyone who has experimented with chopsticks or spoons can certainly appreciate how difficult this would be to achieve. And the fact that you were able to reproduce it, even if you missed a spot, is huge too!

 

[CaraBou]

^^That one is better than mine, for sure! I tried a silicone place mat (it was a cover for the microwave or something) I cut down from the dollar store then stuffed a quart milk carton behind it... It was a disaster. That was failed batch #2 with the Tuberose Moss.

I hear ya jules. I tried other types of plugs that failed miserably, too. Finally DH made something to fit pretty good. It think one reason it works so much better (other than a tighter, more uniform fit) is that it is weighted more on the bottom so doesn't push over like the others did.

 

[JustBeachy]

I wish I had a small mold like that, even just a silicone liner that I could build support around. I ended up plugging my regular mold with a wood block to create 400 g batches. But that's still a PITA as some batter inevitably seeps under or around the block. Plus I'd kind of like a skinnier mold for small batches so I can slice more bars and still be able to use them.

Where did you get your one pounder, newbie? And does anyone know where to find just a 1 lb fexible silicone liner? I need to explore several options since not everyone has reasonable shipping to AK.

Here's my makeshift small mold. It works but I'd rather have something specific. After all, who doesn't need another mold??

Just an idea for you Cara. I used to use these for test molds before I built my adjustable mold. The big inserts will make 6 bars at 1 inch thick. 3.5 x 2.5. They're rigid enough not to bow, yet you can flex them a couple of times, turn it upside down and bang it down. Soap falls right out.

http://www.homedepot.com/s/organizer?NCNI-5

 

[newbie]

OKay okay. I'll stop whining. Thank you for the slap!

I got a couple one pounders from BB. They are built just like the 8 or 11 inch silicone molds- reinforced so they don't bulge. I watched for a sale.

For upright bars, I use the containers from Swanson's broth or Chai tea. They work really well. I use a serrated knife to cut a flap out of one of the sides, and reinforce the side by using two short dowels, one one either side, that I rubber band together along the sides. After the soap is ready, I use an exacto knife to cut the side away. Soap releases great but those are just one time use, obviously. Good thing I like Chai. Those contains take about 40 ounces of batter, just like my 8 inch silicone mold so I don't have to change my recipe.

 

[CaraBou]

Beachy, I can't tell which product you're talking about. The page link brings up a whole bunch of organizers. However, I will assume it's not the $119 model.

 

[JustBeachy]

Beachy, I can't tell which product you're talking about. The page link brings up a whole bunch of organizers. However, I will assume it's not the $119 model.

My bad, lousy link. It's this Dewalt one. I use the little containers as well. And the case is great for storing some of my soaping stuff.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-12-Compartment-Deep-Pro-Organizer-DWST14825/203367153

 

[lionprincess00]

http://www.brambleberry.com/mobile/4-Silicone-Loaf-Mold-P5531.aspx

I have it too newbie.